For Vietnam domestic flights, the quick answer depends on budget and priorities. Vietnam Airlines is the most reliable. It ranks 3rd in Asia-Pacific for on-time performance at 87.77%. It includes free checked baggage (20 kg) and meals.
Vietjet Air is the cheapest. Promo fares range from $10 to $30 USD one-way. Bags and meals cost extra. Bamboo Airways is restructuring. It currently operates a reduced fleet of just 3 aircraft. Sun PhuQuoc Airways is a new player with 16 aircraft. It focuses on island routes, but it is more expensive.
Vietravel Airlines offers competitive prices on key routes like Hanoi–Da Nang. For most travelers, book 2–4 weeks in advance for the best fares. Use Google Flights or Skyscanner to compare prices.
Vietnam is long — really long. The drive from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City takes over 30 hours by train and even longer by bus. Flying is the only sensible way to cover big distances when you’re short on time. This guide breaks down every domestic airline — who flies where, what it costs, and where the hidden fees are — so you can book without the guesswork.
✈️ Which Airlines Operate Domestic Flights in Vietnam?
Vietnam’s domestic aviation market is dominated by two giants: Vietnam Airlines (the national carrier) and Vietjet Air (the low-cost leader). Together, they hold over 80% of the domestic market. Here’s how each one stacks up.
🇻🇳 Vietnam Airlines — The National Carrier
Type: Full-service. Fleet size: 94–95 aircraft (Airbus A321, A350, Boeing 787).
On-time performance: 87.77% — ranked 3rd in Asia-Pacific for punctuality, beating Singapore Airlines.
Baggage: 20 kg checked baggage included in standard Economy fares. Carry-on: 7 kg.
Meals: Included on most flights (even short ones).
Typical fares: Hanoi–Ho Chi Minh City: from $60–$120 USD one-way. Hanoi–Da Nang: from $50–$100 USD one-way.
✅ Advantages: Reliable, on-time, free bags and meals, good for business travelers and families.
❌ Disadvantages: More expensive than low-cost carriers.
Check prices: Compare Vietnam Airlines fares on Trip.com
🟥 Vietjet Air — The Low-Cost Leader
Type: Budget. Fleet size: 107 aircraft — the largest fleet in Vietnam.
Baggage: No checked baggage included — pay extra. Carry-on: 7 kg.
Meals: Not included — paid option.
Typical fares: Promo fares from $10–$30 USD one-way. Average fares: $40–$80 USD for most routes.
✅ Advantages: Cheapest option, frequent promotions (“Zero VND” tickets, flash sales).
❌ Disadvantages: Everything costs extra (bags, seats, food). Hidden fees add up. Less flexible on changes.
Check prices: Compare Vietjet fares on Trip.com
🟢 Bamboo Airways — Currently Restructuring
Type: Hybrid (full-service + budget). Fleet size: 3 aircraft — down from 31 at its peak.
Status: Bamboo Airways is currently restructuring and operating a minimal schedule. It is unlikely to be a reliable choice for tourists in 2026.
⚠️ Verdict: Avoid for now — schedule disruptions are common.
🟠 Sun PhuQuoc Airways — The New Player
Type: Full-service (island-focused). Fleet size: 16 aircraft (growing to 26 by end of August 2026).
Focus: Routes to/from Phu Quoc, including Saigon–Phu Quoc and Hanoi–Phu Quoc.
Typical fares: Ho Chi Minh City–Phu Quoc: from $40–$60 USD one-way (excluding taxes).
✅ Advantages: New aircraft, full-service experience, focused on island travel.
❌ Disadvantages: Still a small player, limited route network.
Check prices: Compare Sun PhuQuoc fares on Trip.com
🟡 Vietravel Airlines — The Budget Alternative
Type: Budget. Fleet size: 5 aircraft.
Typical fares: Hanoi–Da Nang from $12–$15 USD (268,000–288,000 VND) — often the cheapest on this route.
✅ Advantages: Very competitive prices, operates key routes.
❌ Disadvantages: Small fleet, limited schedule.
Check prices: Compare Vietravel fares on Trip.com
📊 Comparison Table — Quick Summary
| Airline | Type | Fleet | Baggage | Fare (one-way) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Airlines | Full-service | 95 | 20 kg | $60–$120 | Reliability, families |
| Vietjet Air | Budget | 107 | None (extra) | $30–$80 | Cheapest fares |
| Sun PhuQuoc | Full-service | 16 | Included | $40–$80 | Phu Quoc routes |
| Vietravel Airlines | Budget | 5 | None | $12–$30 | Budget, limited routes |
| Bamboo Airways | Hybrid | 3 | — | — | Avoid (restructuring) |
📌 How to Book Cheap Domestic Flights
1. Book 2–4 weeks in advance. The best time to book domestic flights in Vietnam is 2–4 weeks before departure. Last-minute fares can double or triple.
2. Compare prices on aggregators. Use Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Traveloka to compare across airlines. Once you find a fare, check the airline’s official website — it’s often cheaper to book directly.
3. Use the cheapest flight times. Early morning and late-night flights are cheaper than daytime departures. Tuesday–Thursday flights are cheaper than weekends.
4. Check baggage fees carefully. Vietjet may look cheap at $20, but baggage fees add $10–$20 each way. Vietnam Airlines includes bags — the final price is often similar.
5. Use local payment methods. Booking platforms sometimes offer promo codes for paying via MoMo, ZaloPay, or local bank transfers.
6. Watch for flash sales. Vietjet runs regular promotions, including “Zero VND” tickets (taxes only). Follow them on social media or subscribe to newsletters.
7. Use VNeID for faster check-in. Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet now support VNeID (digital ID) for check-in and security — self-check-in kiosks let you skip the queue.
🌏 Popular Domestic Routes
Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City: The busiest route in Vietnam, with dozens of daily flights. Vietnam Airlines from $60–$120, Vietjet from $30–$80.
Hanoi – Da Nang: Quick connection to central Vietnam. Vietravel Airlines from $12–$15 (cheapest on this route), Vietnam Airlines from $50–$100.
Ho Chi Minh City – Phu Quoc: The island gateway. Sun PhuQuoc Airways from $40–$60, Vietnam Airlines from $40–$60.
Hanoi – Phu Quoc: Direct flights available (seasonal). Sun PhuQuoc and Vietjet operate this route.
Da Nang – Nha Trang: A short hop along the coast, with daily flights from Vietjet and Vietnam Airlines.
🛑 Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Only looking at the base fare. Vietjet’s $20 fare doesn’t include taxes, fees, or baggage. The final price is often $50–$70. Always check the final total before booking.
Mistake 2: Booking Bamboo Airways. The airline is currently restructuring with just 3 aircraft — cancellations are common. Avoid it for now.
Mistake 3: Not arriving early enough for airport procedures. Arrive at least 90 minutes before domestic flights, or use online check-in via VNeID or self-service kiosks to reduce waiting time.
Mistake 4: Assuming all airlines include bags. Only Vietnam Airlines, Sun PhuQuoc, and Bamboo (if operating) include checked baggage. Vietjet and Vietravel charge extra.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest domestic airline in Vietnam?
Vietjet Air and Vietravel Airlines — both offer $10–$30 promo fares. Always check the final price with bags and taxes.
Which domestic airline is the most reliable?
Vietnam Airlines — it ranks 3rd in Asia-Pacific for on-time performance.
What is the best way to compare domestic flight prices?
Use Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Traveloka to compare airlines and dates, then book directly with the airline.
Can I book a domestic flight on the same day?
Yes, but it’s expensive. Last-minute fares can be 2–3 times higher than booking in advance.
Do I need a printed ticket for domestic flights?
No — digital boarding passes are accepted, and Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet now support VNeID for mobile check-in and security.
💎 Final Verdict
For travelers, Vietnam domestic flights with Vietnam Airlines are a good choice — reliable, on-time, and includes bags and meals.
If you’re on a tight budget and packing light, Vietjet is the cheapest option.
Avoid Bamboo Airways during its restructuring period.
Book 2–4 weeks in advance, compare prices on Google Flights, and always check the final total before booking.
Oh, and don’t forget to use VNeID to speed up check-in.
It helps if you’re a national or have a visa that supports it.
Once you’ve landed, the rest of Vietnam is waiting. If you’re heading to the coast, check out my guides to best hotels in Da Nang and best hotels in Nha Trang.
🏨 Where to Stay & What to Pair It With
Once you’ve landed, book your accommodation. You’ll find everything from budget hostels to luxury resorts — check hotels in Vietnam to compare prices. For city-specific guides, I’ve put together best hotels in Hanoi, best hotels on Phu Quoc, and best hotels in Da Lat to help you choose.
For more transport inspiration, check out Hanoi to Ha Long Bay and Da Nang to Hoi An.
